Thousands of residents from Butere Sub-county and neighbouring areas received free medical services during a major medical outreach programme held at Butere Level IV Hospital through a partnership between the County Government of Kakamega and the M-PESA Foundation.
The medical camp benefitted more than 3,000 residents, offering a wide range of healthcare services, including eye check-ups, dental care, X-ray services, reproductive health services, child healthcare, screening for non-communicable diseases and cataract surgeries.
Speaking during the event, Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Livingston Imbayi, who represented Governor Fernandes Barasa, lauded the partnership, saying it had significantly strengthened the county’s healthcare agenda.
Imbayi said the county government remains committed to collaborating with development partners and organisations that support efforts aimed at improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Barasa’s health pillar, which seeks to enhance both preventive and curative healthcare across the county.
Chief Officer for Public Health Rose Muhanda said the medical camp had provided a lifeline to many residents, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses who often struggle to access specialized treatment services.
“Mental health, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions continue to affect many families. Such camps help bridge the healthcare gap by bringing services closer to the people,” she said.
Director for Sustainable Business and Social Impact at M-pesa foundation Karen Basiye reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting healthcare programmes in Kakamega County.
She said the Foundation is keen on strengthening maternal and child healthcare through partnerships that improve healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
Residents who attended the camp expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying the free services had eased the burden of high medical costs and enabled many to access treatment they would otherwise have postponed.
By John Ochanda
